**Berlin**: Khaled Bagban, the new CIO of Metro, reveals plans to enhance the company’s data capabilities post data centre closure, emphasising AI’s role in utilising vast data assets to improve customer experience and streamline operations through innovative initiatives and a comprehensive tracking system.
Khaled Bagban, the newly appointed Chief Information Officer (CIO) of Metro, has shared insights into the company’s strategic plans to enhance its data capabilities and streamline operations. Following the scheduled closure of the last data centre in June, Metro is positioned to embark on a new phase of leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and data transparency.
In an interview with the German Retail Blog, Bagban expressed confidence in the company’s data assets, describing them as a “data treasure.” The closure of the data centre marks a pivotal milestone, enabling Metro to harness the predictive power of AI to extract actionable insights from its vast array of data. He remarked on the importance of integrating external data sources, such as weather patterns and sports results, to enhance business decision-making—an effort that was previously challenging.
One of the key initiatives Bagban discussed involves the development of an end-to-end data chain. He highlighted the advantages Metro has as a B2B retailer, stating, “We have the advantage of data transparency. We know the customer’s shopping journey from one end to the other.” This in-depth understanding allows the company to refine its services and better cater to customer needs.
Metro has instituted a comprehensive system enabling them to track customer interactions closely. For instance, as customers enter a market, they log in through a card or app, allowing Metro to monitor their orders, including those made online. Furthermore, the company’s platform, Dish, allows Horeca (hotels, restaurants, and catering) customers to showcase their menus. Bagban explained that this integration enables AI to identify required ingredients, thereby facilitating discussions between sales teams and their customers. By analysing this data, Metro can create personalised online offers, optimise inventory levels, and improve product availability, which, Bagban believes, are crucial factors for successful purchasing operations.
With these initiatives, Metro aims to not just collect data but to effectively utilize it to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. Bagban’s vision outlines a future where data-driven decision-making becomes integral to the wholesaler’s strategy, ultimately contributing to improved service delivery and business performance.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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